NIAGARA, Wis. — One of the benefits of aging — as well as one of its curses — is that we have a much longer view of life. We not only have learned history in school, but we have lived the history that is being taught in schools today. Or maybe a more accurate phrase would be the history that should be taught in schools today. I have often wondered, in these later years of my life, why it is that we do not seem to learn from our past mistakes. Why does history repeat itself? Will we be forever doomed to making bad judgments that cause wars, pollution, and destruction of all kinds? Will we ever learn to work together?

I recently read a book that helps answer these questions. “The Handmaid’s Tale,” written by Margaret Atwood way back in 1986, dealt with how the fictional dystopian society of Gilead developed. A series of devastating events caused the population of the country to take a nosedive. Sterility was widespread. In an effort to rectify the situation, a social hierarchy was instituted that would help to guarantee that healthy women would repopulate society. Men and women alike had narrow roles within a highly regimented social order. Women were one of four classes: Wives, Aunts, Marthas, or Handmaids. Men were one of three groups: Commanders, Guardians, or Eyes. Each group had specific, acceptable activities in which they could participate or roles to which they were assigned. Each existed only to fulfill a very specific function within the community of Gilead. Consequently, no one enjoyed the freedom to carve out their own lives through making their own choices. No one was living an authentic life. No one had a voice.

The reader is left to wonder for most of the book how any of the events depicted could have happened or why no one rebelled in an effort to reclaim their freedoms. In the final chapter, set within a lecture hall at a university symposium, Atwood gives the reader the answer to these most perplexing questions. The year is 2195. Learned professors have convened to hear a speaker discuss the Gileadean period of history now long over. In the course of this most intellectual of lectures, the very educated speaker explains, “As we know from the study of history, no new system can impose itself upon a previous one without incorporating many of the elements to be found in the latter.” The professor adds that “There was little that was truly original with or indigenous in Gilead: its genius was synthesis.” In other words, all of the horrors that comprised Gilead were already there, they just were brought together in a different manner and all at once.

And then came the surprise conclusion. The speaker at this symposium summarized by saying that certainly such a society as Gilead could never happen again! “As all historians know, the past is a great darkness, and filled with echoes. Voices may reach us from it; but what they say to us is imbued with the obscurity of the matrix out of which they come; and, try as we may, we cannot always decipher them precisely in the clearer light of our own day.” After reading about all of the terrible events that took place in Gilead, this purely intellectualization of such a terrible period of history is chillingly powerful in itself. And it is a woefully inadequate answer to a very important question.

I think that Atwood included this final, very unusual chapter, to show that if we attempt to learn from history in a purely intellectual manner — with our minds alone — we will fail. When we only use our minds to try to understand what has come before us, it is far too easy to claim an understanding that will prevent us from making the same mistakes. But we know that wars and genocide continue as do environmental disasters. And mankind continues to display greed and selfishness that oppresses his fellowman.

So, what is the answer? How do we prevent history from repeating itself? Are we doomed to the eventual total destruction of the world as we know it? Thankfully, as it turns out, many minds greater than mine have pondered this same question and have come up with the same answer: empathy will save our world. We must all develop empathy for our fellow man to accompany our intellectual understanding of the problems that need solutions.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share in someone else’s feelings; it is one way to connect with others, particularly those who have different identities or circumstances than ours. This very important trait can be learned first by listening to others and extending them grace, or the benefit of the doubt. We need to place ourselves in their time, within their circumstances, and allow ourselves to feel what they must have felt. We need to feel the struggles of others even when those struggles are not ours. By making this effort and opening our hearts to their feelings, we are better able to prevent awful history from repeating itself. Only then can we recognize the mistakes before they are made again.

Following are some wise words spoken by others on this topic:

“The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy; we can all sense a mysterious connection to each other.” — Meryl Streep

“Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?” — Henry David Thoreau

“Empathy begins with understanding life from another person’s perspective. Nobody has an objective experience of reality. It’s all through our own individual prisms.” — Sterling K. Brown, actor

“This capacity for empathy leads to a genuine encounter — we have to progress toward this culture of encounter — in which heart speaks to heart.” — Pope Francis

“Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.” — Dalai Lama

“I do not ask the wounded person how he feels, I myself become the wounded person.” — Walt Whitman

And finally:

“Learning to stand in somebody else’s shoes, to see through their eyes, that’s how peace begins. And it’s up to you to make that happen. Empathy is a quality of character that can change the world.” — Barack Obama

So, let us begin together. Let us acknowledge our differences without judgment. Let us strive to appreciate the diversity which is woven throughout our culture. Let us embrace different viewpoints and accept different solutions to common problems.

Let us all work toward treating each other with dignity and respect. Let us all cherish our world while we are still alive and can make a difference. Let us take less and give more. And let us all teach our children to model our best behavior. We can accomplish great things together with open minds… and open hearts.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Group activities are ongoing, and doors are unlocked for visits. They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; word search, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; coffee chatters, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Lucky 7, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; art/crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Bible study, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; spell it, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Uno, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; dice game 1500, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Color in spring and crossword puzzle, 2 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; trivia, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Easter egg coloring, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Dollar General, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; jokes and floats, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; penny ante, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/puzzle time, 10 a.m.; sunshine club, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with music, 2 p.m.

Friday: Easter crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; activity council, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Easter party, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/storytelling, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare (formerly ManorCare/ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is now open for visitation. There is no longer a need to call in advance of your visit.

No information available.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Easter crafts, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; help your neighbor, 10 a.m.; “Price Is Right,” 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; Bob Larson, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Stations of the Cross, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; tic tac trivia and peeps, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Easter cookie decorating, 10 a.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Egg coloring, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Trivia and coffee, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. There are no group activities at this time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Tasty Tuesday, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; left-center-right, 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Easter egg hunt, all day; juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Phase 10, 10:30 a.m.; reminiscing, 2 p.m.

Monday: Spa treatments, 10:30 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: “Family Feud,” 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; Scattegories, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; trivia, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Bingo, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; sensory, 6 p.m.

Friday: Movie, 10:30 a.m.; “Family Feud,” 2 p.m.; Kings Corners, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Pictionary, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

The center, at 415 Main St., is open four days a week, serving soup and sandwich meal from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Their new cook prepares meals on site.

Tuesday: Reuben sandwich, fries and pasta salad.

Wednesday: Lasagna, vegetable and salad.

Thursday: Baked ham, sweet potato casserole, vegetable and slaw.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Spaghetti, green beans and garlic bread.

Tuesday: Meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy and corn.

Wednesday: Liver or Polish sausage and onions and boiled potatoes.

Thursday: Prime rib, roasted potatoes and carrots.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Bitsy Peryam

906-875-6709

The center is open on Mondays and is serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

Menu for the week —

On-site meal menu —

Monday: Sloppy Joes, tater tots and baked beans.

Tuesday: Ham and scalloped potatoes and dinner rolls.

Wednesday: Beef burgundy over egg noodles.

Home delivered meal menu —

Monday: Shepherd’s pie, broccoli and fruit.

Tuesday: Biscuits and gravy, hashbrowns and pears.

Wednesday: Fish sandwiches, fries and coleslaw.

Thursday: Beef pasty, sweet potato fries and fruit.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235.

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Shepherd’s pie, broccoli and fruit.

Tuesday: Vegetable soup, ham and cheese sandwich.

Wednesday: Fish sandwich, fries and coleslaw.

Thursday: Beef pasty, sweet potato fries and fruit.

Friday: Biscuits and gravy, hashbrowns and pears.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Les Artistes’ art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played; Happy Quilters, 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday: No activities at this time.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Swedish pancakes, sausage and strawberries.

Tuesday: Country fried steak, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Pork chop, roasted potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Shepherd’s pie, broccoli and fruit.

Tuesday: Vegetable soup, ham and cheese sandwich.

Wednesday: Fish sandwich, fries and coleslaw.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

ADRC

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Hamburger stroganoff with mushrooms, buttered noodles, broccoli and fruit.

Tuesday: Philly cheese steak casserole, candied carrots and fruit.

Wednesday: Easter dinner — baked ham, company potatoes, green bean medley, whole wheat dinner rolls and lime Jell-O with pineapple.

Thursday: Chicken patty on a bun with lettuce and tomato, pasta salad with vegetables, baked beans and fruit.

Friday: All centers closed for Good Friday.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Closed Tuesday.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Breaded chicken sandwich, potato wedges, Monte Carlo vegetables and fruit whip.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, peas and fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Easter dinner — baked ham, twice baked potato, Prince Charles vegetables and sunshine cake.

Thursday: Hot dog with bun, baked beans, oven roasted potatoes, pickle spear and pears.

Friday: Baked fish, rice pilaf, green beans, coleslaw and fruit cup.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m. — salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheeseburger, potato wedges, carrots, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Chicken parmesan, corn, dinner roll, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Fish, hashbrown casserole, corn bread, dessert and milk.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon on Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $7 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Barbecue beef on a bun, baked beans, chips and caramel apple dump cake.

Tuesday: Meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli and fruit.

Wednesday: Easter dinner — sliced ham, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, dinner roll and pineapple bread pudding.

Thursday: Pizza party, vegetable, fruit and dessert; Meals on Wheels — Pizza casserole, vegetable, fruit and dessert.

Join us for bingo on Wednesday this week.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski. 

906-563-8716

Open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken bacon alfredo, breadstick and vegetable.

Tuesday: Finish pancake, sausage, hashbrowns and strawberries.

Wednesday: Sloppy Joes, tater barrels and vegetable.

Thursday: Easter meal — ham, scalloped potatoes and green beans.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Cheese ravioli, meat sauce, garlic bread and vegetable.

Wednesday: Chili, cornbread, carrots and mixed fruit.

Thursday: Sweet and sour chicken, rice, Oriental vegetable blend and pineapple.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Shepherd’s pie, broccoli and fruit.

Tuesday: Vegetable soup, ham and cheese sandwich.

Wednesday: Fish sandwich, fries and coleslaw.